Internal Problems That Obstruct The Work
Bible Passage: Nehemiah 5
Imagine if there is a brother who is a loan shark in church and charges ridiculous interest rates to other brethrens? We would think this is out of this world and impossible to happen in church. However, such scenario happened during Nehemiah’s time and it was even to a worse extent.
How bad?
It was bad enough that brethren were making other brethren slaves to the gentiles! It is pretty saddening that the Jews would resort to betraying their own people and cheating their own people for personal gain! Quite recently (as in few years ago), there was a case of this prominent Jew who cheated other Jews of billions of dollars in a ponzi scheme.
On the other hand, Nehemiah was described in this book as one who was charitable and cared for the needs of other fellow Jews. He did not take the Governor’s food ration even though it was his entitlement. He donated much of what he had to help his brethren and he did not take away their lands even though he has the capacity to purchase them.
Although such situation does not happen in church or that I have no knowledge of such incidents. Nevertheless, it is a reminder that if there is lack of love or even hatred in church, the work in church will be jeopardized. Loving one another is a key commandment from our Lord Jesus. God is love. If we are his Children, we ought to love one another as the way He loved us.
“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.” (1 John 2:9-10)
If there are disagreements between brethren or even disagreements in the interpretation of the Truth, these have to be resolved quickly and properly.
Nehemiah did not waste any time and summoned all those involved in such activities and demanded them to follow the correct way. He led the way by his example (charitable actions) and convinced or even rebuked those who cheated their brethren. In so doing, he managed to take away this internal strife and allowed the rebuilding of the city walls to go smoothly.
In church context, we have to see such rebukes as necessary for the progress of church work. If such disagreements remain, it will only deepen the hatred and strife. Moreover, the work of rebuilding the walls cannot proceed smoothly as there are divisions among the brethren.
Only when there is no more internal strife and all the brethren are aligned in the correct direction and goal, will there be progress.
It is not easy especially in this end times. The devil will try all means to create disharmony in church and divisions among the brethren. As Jesus said, if the house is divided, it will not stand.
Hence, we have to be vigilant of the trickery of the devil for his ways will be more vicious as we approach closer to the second coming of Christ.
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom 16:17-18)
May our Lord Jesus preserve and give growth to the church in these last days.